Ketubot 105 - October 19, 24 Tishrei

Today's daf is sponsored by Gail Licht and family in loving memory of her father's yahrzeit, HaRav Avraham Shaul Halevi ben Yaakov.

Admon and Chanan were two judges (dayanei gezeirot) who ruled on various matters in which the rabbis or others disagreed with them. The last chapter of Ketubot deals with two rulings of Chanan and seven of Admon. If a husband goes abroad and his wife demands sustenance, does she need to take an oath that he did not leave her any food? Chanan and the sons of the kohanim gedolim debate at what stage/s she needs to take an oath. Later tannaim debate how to rule on this issue - like Chanan or like the sons of the kohanim gedolim. The Gemara struggles with the language of the Mishna - firstly why does it say there were two dayanei gezeirot when there are other sources that say three? Also, they are called dayanei gezeilot in other sources. These judges would receive their salary from the temple treasury. Are judges allowed to take a salary? On what does it depend? Can they take money from the two sides that come to be judged? Is this like taking bribes? What is the danger of taking bribes? The Gemara brings various stories to show how far a judge needs to go to ensure that he does not show any favor to either one of the sides. One who is not able to do that in a particular case should insist on not being a judge for that case, as is highlighted in a number of the stories.